System and method for quality management utilizing barcode indicators

ABSTRACT

A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcode indicators, each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, the at least one threshold being at least one of a time duration threshold and a combined temperature and time threshold, a barcode indicator reader operative to read the barcode indicators and to provide output indications and an indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/959,120, filed Jul. 10, 2007 and entitled “Encoding Method forDynamically Changing a Barcode” and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/963,956, filed Aug. 6, 2007 and entitled “ASystem and Method for Verifying Product Quality”, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference and priority of which arehereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to quality management systems andmethodologies and to indicators useful in such systems andmethodologies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following U.S. patents relate generally to the subject matter of thepresent application: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,758,397; 6,009,400, 6,685,094 andRE 39,226.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide improved quality managementsystems and methodologies as well as indicators useful in such systemsand methodologies.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a quality management system for products including amultiplicity of barcode indicators, each operative to provide amachine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold byat least one product quality determining parameter, the at least onethreshold being at least one of a time duration threshold and a combinedtemperature and time threshold, a barcode indicator reader operative toread the barcode indicators and to provide output indications and anindication interpreter operative to receive the output indications andto provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality statusoutputs.

Preferably, the multiplicity of barcode indicators is operative toprovide the machine-readable indication only following actuationthereof. Additionally or alternatively, the multiplicity of barcodeindicators is operative to provide the machine-readable indication onlyupon activation thereof which occurs automatically a predetermined timefollowing actuation thereof.

Preferably, the indication interpreter includes a server communicatingwith the barcode indicator reader and providing at least one of a priceindication, a shelf-life indication and a salability output indication.

Preferably, the multiplicity of barcode indicators each provides a firstmachine-readable indication prior to the exceedance of the at least onethreshold and a second machine-readable indication, different from thefirst machine-readable indication, following the exceedance of the atleast one threshold, the first and second machine-readable indicationshaving identical check sum digits.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators includes abarcode including black areas and transparent areas, at least one delaylayer dissolvable by a temperature-responsive solvent, the at least onedelay layer being suitable to prevent the passage of coloring agentstherethrough before dissolution thereof, at least one colorable elementand at least one coloring agent adapted to pass through the at least onedelay layer, after the at least one delay layer is dissolved by thetemperature-responsive solvent, and to diffuse through the colorableelement and the barcode provides an indication of exceedance oftemperature relative to the combined temperature and time threshold bydissolution of the delay layer by the temperature-responsive solvent.Additionally, the time duration threshold is determined at leastpartially by the thickness of the delay layer. Additionally oralternatively, dissolution of the delay layer results in diffusion ofthe coloring agents through the colorable element such that portions ofthe colorable element which are readable through the transparent areasin the barcode appear similarly to the barcode in the firstmachine-readable indication and can be read together therewith as asingle barcode in the second machine-readable indication.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators is operativeto provide multiple machine-readable indications for exceedance ofmultiple ones of the thresholds.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a quality management system for productsincluding a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operative to providea machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold byat least one product quality determining parameter, the multiplicity ofbarcode indicators being operative to provide the machine-readableindication only following actuation thereof, a barcode indicator readeroperative to read the barcode indicators and to provide outputindications and an indication interpreter operative to receive theoutput indications and to provide human sensible, product unit specific,product quality status outputs.

Preferably, prior to the actuation the barcode indicator is in a firstvisible state and following the actuation the barcode indicator is in asecond visible state, different from the first visible state, and theindicator is barcode reader-readable at least in the second visiblestate. Additionally, the indicator is not barcode reader-readable whenthe barcode indicator is in the first visible state. Alternatively, theindicator is barcode reader-readable when the barcode indicator is inthe first visible state.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators includes abarcode including black areas and transparent areas, a pull strip, thepull strip being suitable to prevent the passage of solvents andcoloring agents therethrough before removal thereof and a colored area,the colored area disposed behind the pull strip and the actuationincludes removal of the pull strip. Additionally, the pull stripincludes a polyester pull strip, preferably, removal of the pull striprenders portions of the colored area readable through the transparentareas in the barcode and portions of the colored area appear similarlyto the barcode in the first visible state and can be read togethertherewith as a single barcode in the second visible state.

Preferably, the multiplicity of barcode indicators is operative toprovide the machine-readable indication only upon activation thereofwhich occurs automatically a predetermined time following actuationthereof. Additionally, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicatorsprovides a first machine-readable indication prior to the exceedance ofthe at least one threshold and a second machine-readable indicationfollowing the exceedance of the at least one threshold, the first andsecond machine-readable indications having identical check sum digits.

Preferably, the indication interpreter includes a server communicatingwith the barcode indicator reader and providing at least one of a priceindication, a shelf-life indication and a salability output indication.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators is operativeto provide multiple machine-readable indications for exceedance ofmultiple ones of the thresholds.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a quality management system forproducts including a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, themultiplicity of barcode indicators being operative to provide themachine-readable indication only upon activation thereof which occursautomatically a predetermined time following actuation thereof, abarcode indicator reader operative to read the barcode indicators and toprovide output indications and an indication interpreter operative toreceive the output indications and to provide human sensible, productunit specific, product quality status outputs.

Preferably, prior to the actuation the barcode indicator is in a firstvisible state and following the actuation the barcode indicator is in asecond visible state, which is different from the first visible stateand the indicator is barcode reader-readable at least in the secondvisible state. Additionally, the indicator is not barcodereader-readable when the barcode indicator is in the first visiblestate. Alternatively, the indicator is barcode reader-readable when thebarcode indicator is in the first visible state.

Preferably, the machine-readable indication includes a variable barcodehaving a first readable state including digital indicia and at leaststart and stop code indicia and at least a second readable state whereinat least one of the start and stop code indicia which appear in thefirst readable state form part of the digital indicia in the secondreadable state.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators includes abarcode including black areas and transparent areas, a pull strip, thepull strip being suitable to prevent the passage of solvents andcoloring agents therethrough before removal thereof, a colored areadisposed behind the pull strip, and an activation delay layerdissolvable by a solvent, the activation delay layer being suitable toprevent the passage of coloring agents and solvents therethrough beforedissolution thereof and the actuation includes removal of the pullstrip. Additionally, the pull strip includes a polyester pull strip.Additionally or alternatively, the activation is achieved by thedissolution of the activation delay layer by the solvent, and thepredetermined time is determined at least partially by the thickness ofthe activation delay layer. Additionally, the solvent is temperatureresponsive.

Preferably, the multiplicity of barcode indicators each provides a firstmachine-readable indication prior to the exceedance of the at least onethreshold and a second different machine-readable indication followingexceedance of the at least one threshold, the first and secondmachine-readable indications having identical check sum digits.

Preferably, the indication interpreter includes a server communicatingwith the barcode indicator reader and providing at least one of a priceindication, a shelf-life indication and a salability output indication.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators is operativeto provide multiple machine-readable indications for exceedance ofmultiple ones of the thresholds.

There is also provided in accordance with an additional preferredembodiment of the present invention a quality management system forproducts including a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, themultiplicity of barcode indicators each providing a firstmachine-readable indication prior to the exceedance of the at least onethreshold and a second machine-readable indication following exceedanceof the at least one threshold, the first and second machine-readableindications having identical check sum digits, a barcode indicatorreader operative to read the barcode indicators and to provide outputindications and an indication interpreter operative to receive theoutput indications and to provide human sensible, product unit specific,product quality status outputs.

Preferably, the first and the second machine-readable indications differby two digits thereof, and MOD10 of the weighted sum of the two digitsof the first machine-readable indication is the same as MOD10 of theweighted sum of the two digits of the second machine-readableindication, the weighted sum is calculated according to the EAN(European Article Number) checksum system.

Additionally, the indication interpreter includes a server communicatingwith the barcode indicator reader and providing at least one of a priceindication, a shelf-life indication and a salability output indication.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators is operativeto provide multiple machine-readable indications for exceedance ofmultiple ones of the thresholds.

There is additionally provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a quality management system forproducts including a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onetime duration threshold, a barcode indicator reader operative to readthe barcode indicators and to provide output indications and anindication interpreter operative to receive the output indications andto provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality statusoutputs.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of barcode indicators includes abarcode including black areas and transparent areas, at least one delaylayer dissolvable by a solvent, the at least one delay layer beingsuitable to prevent the passage of coloring agents therethrough beforedissolution thereof, at least one colorable element, and at least onecoloring agent adapted to pass through the at least one delay layer oncedissolved by the solvent and to diffuse through the colorable elementand the multiplicity of barcode indicators provides an indication ofexceedance of the at least one time duration threshold by dissolution ofthe at least one delay layer by the solvent.

Preferably, the multiplicity of barcode indicators each provides a firstmachine-readable indication prior to the exceedance of the at least onetime duration threshold and a second machine-readable indication,different from the first machine-readable indication, followingexceedance of the at least one time duration threshold, and dissolutionof the delay layer results in diffusion of the coloring agents throughthe colorable element such that portions of the colorable element whichare readable through the transparent areas in the barcode appearsimilarly to the barcode in the first machine-readable indication, andcan be read together therewith as a single barcode in the secondmachine-readable indication. Additionally, the time duration thresholdis determined at least partially by the thickness of the delay layer.Additionally or alternatively, the solvent is temperature responsive.

Preferably, the multiplicity of indicators is operative to provide amachine-readable indication of exceedance of two different time durationthresholds.

There is further provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention a quality management system forproducts including a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, abarcode indicator reader operative to read the barcode indicators and toprovide output indications and an indication interpreter operative toreceive the output indications and to provide human sensible, productunit specific, product quality status outputs, the indicationinterpreter includes a server communicating with the barcode indicatorreader and providing at least one of a price indication, a shelf-lifeindication and a salability output indication.

There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a quality management system forproducts including a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, atelephone including image capture functionality operative to image thebarcode indicators and to provide output indications, and an indicationinterpreter operative to receive the output indications and to providehuman sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs,the indication interpreter includes a server communicating with thetelephone and providing at least one of a price indication, a shelf-lifeindication, and a quality output indication to the telephone.

Preferably, the server includes caller ID functionality and isresponsive to the identity of the caller to select a suitable at leastone output indication to be provided.

There is also provided in accordance with a different preferredembodiment of the present invention a barcode indicator operative toprovide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, the atleast one threshold being at least one of a time duration threshold anda combined temperature and time threshold.

Preferably, the barcode indicator includes a barcode including blackareas and transparent areas, at least one delay layer dissolvable by atemperature-responsive solvent, the at least one delay layer beingsuitable to prevent the passage of coloring agents therethrough beforedissolution thereof, at least one colorable element, and at least onecoloring agent adapted to pass through the delay layer once dissolved bythe temperature-responsive solvent and to diffuse through the colorableelement, and the barcode indicator provides an indication of exceedanceof temperature relative to the combined temperature and time thresholdby dissolution of the at least one delay layer by thetemperature-responsive solvent. Additionally, the time durationthreshold is determined at least by the thickness of the at least onedelay layer. Additionally, or alternatively, the barcode includes afixed barcode portion and at least one selectably appearing barcodeportion, both the fixed barcode portion and the at least one selectablyappearing barcode portion being readable by a barcode reader.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a barcode indicator operative to provide amachine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold byat least one product quality determining parameter, the barcodeindicator being operative to provide the machine-readable indicationonly following actuation thereof.

Preferably, prior to the actuation the barcode indicator is in a firstvisible state and following the actuation the barcode indicator is in asecond visible state, which is different from the first visible stateand the indicator is barcode reader-readable at least in the secondvisible state. Additionally, the indicator is not barcodereader-readable when the barcode indicator is in the first visiblestate. Alternatively, the indicator is barcode reader-readable when thebarcode indicator is in the first visible state.

Preferably, the barcode indicator includes a barcode including blackareas and transparent areas, a pull strip, the pull strip being suitableto prevent the passage of solvents and coloring agents therethroughbefore removal thereof, and a colored area disposed behind the pullstrip, and the actuation includes removal of the pull strip.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a barcode indicator operative toprovide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, thebarcode indicator being operative to provide the machine-readableindication only upon activation thereof which occurs automatically apredetermined time following actuation thereof.

Preferably, prior to the actuation the barcode indicator is in a firstvisible state and following the actuation the barcode indicator is in asecond visible state, which is different from the first visible stateand the indicator is barcode reader-readable at least in the secondvisible state. Additionally, the indicator is not barcodereader-readable when the barcode indicator is in the first visiblestate. Alternatively, the indicator is barcode reader-readable when thebarcode indicator is in the first visible state.

Preferably, the machine-readable indication includes a variable barcodehaving a first readable state including digital indicia and at leaststart and stop code indicia and at least a second readable state whereinat least one of the start and stop code indicia which appear in thefirst readable state form part of the digital indicia in the secondreadable state.

Preferably, the barcode indicator includes a barcode including blackareas and transparent areas, a pull strip, the pull strip being suitableto prevent the passage of solvents and coloring agents therethroughbefore removal thereof, a colored area disposed behind the pull strip,and an activation delay layer dissolvable by a solvent, the activationdelay layer being suitable to prevent the passage of coloring agents andsolvents therethrough before dissolution thereof and the actuationincludes removal of the pull strip. Additionally, the activation isachieved by the dissolution of the activation delay layer by thesolvent. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined time isdetermined at least by the thickness of the activation delay layer.

There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a barcode indicator operative toprovide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, thebarcode indicator providing a first machine-readable indication prior tothe exceedance of the at least one threshold and a secondmachine-readable indication following exceedance of the at least onethreshold, the first and second machine-readable indications havingidentical check sum digits.

Preferably, the first and the second machine-readable indications differby two digits thereof, and MOD10 of the weighted sum of the two digitsof the first machine-readable indication is the same as MOD10 of theweighted sum of the two digits of the second machine-readableindication, the weighted sum is calculated according to the EAN(European Article Number) checksum system.

There is also provided in accordance with a different preferredembodiment of the present invention a barcode indicator operative toprovide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one timeduration threshold.

Preferably, the barcode indicator includes a barcode including blackareas and transparent areas, and at least one delay layer dissolvable bya solvent, the at least one delay layer being suitable to prevent thepassage of coloring agents therethrough before dissolution thereof andthe exceedance of the at least one time duration threshold is indicatedby the dissolution of the at least one delay layer by the solvent.Additionally, the time duration threshold is determined at leastpartially by the thickness of the delay layer.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for quality management for productsincluding employing a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, the atleast one threshold being at least one of a time duration threshold anda combined temperature and time threshold, reading the barcodeindicators and providing output indications therefrom, receiving theoutput indications and interpreting the output indications to providehuman sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for quality management for productsincluding employing a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, themultiplicity of barcode indicators being operative to provide themachine-readable indication only following actuation thereof, readingthe barcode indicators and providing output indications therefrom,receiving the output indications and interpreting the output indicationsto provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality statusoutputs.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for quality management for productsincluding employing a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, themultiplicity of barcode indicators being operative to provide themachine-readable indication only upon activation thereof which occursautomatically a predetermined time following actuation thereof, readingthe barcode indicators and providing output indications therefrom,receiving the output indications and interpreting the output indicationsto provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality statusoutputs.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for quality management for productsincluding employing a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, eachthe multiplicity of barcode indicators provides a first machine-readableindication prior to the exceedance of the at least one threshold and asecond machine-readable indication following the exceedance of the atleast one threshold, the first and second machine-readable indicationshaving identical check sum digits, reading the barcode indicators andproviding output indications therefrom, receiving the output indicationsand interpreting the output indications to provide human sensible,product unit specific, product quality status outputs.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for quality management for productsincluding employing a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onetime duration threshold, reading the barcode indicators and providingoutput indications therefrom, receiving the output indications andinterpreting the output indications to provide human sensible, productunit specific, product quality status outputs.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for quality management for productsincluding employing a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, readingthe barcode indicators and providing output indications therefrom,receiving the output indications, and interpreting the outputindications to provide human sensible, product unit specific, productquality status outputs, the interpreting includes communicating thebarcode indicators to a server and providing at least one of a priceindication, a shelf-life indication and a salability output indication.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for quality management for productsincluding employing a multiplicity of barcode indicators each operativeto provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, imagingthe barcode indicators using a telephone including image capturefunctionality, and providing output indications, and interpreting theoutput indications to provide human sensible, product unit specific,product quality status outputs, the interpreting includes communicatingthe barcode indicators from the telephone to a server and providing atleast one of a price indication, a shelf-life indication and asalability output indication to the telephone from the server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E together are a simplified illustration of asystem and methodology for quality management constructed and operativein accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E together are a simplified illustration of asystem and methodology for quality management constructed and operativein accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3A is a simplified illustration of a quality indicator constructedand operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention for indicating temperature history;

FIG. 3B is a simplified illustration of a quality indicator constructedand operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for indicating temperature history with delayedactivation;

FIG. 3C is a simplified illustration of a quality indicator constructedand operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for indicating elapsed time/temperature history;

FIG. 3D is a simplified illustration of a quality indicator constructedand operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for indicating elapsed time/temperature history withdelayed activation;

FIG. 3E is a simplified illustration of a quality indicator constructedand operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for separately indicating elapsed time and temperaturehistory;

FIG. 3F is a simplified illustration of a quality indicator constructedand operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention for separately indicating elapsed time and temperaturehistory with delayed activation;

FIG. 4A is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation ofan example of the indicator of FIG. 3A, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation ofan example of the indicator of FIG. 3B, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation ofan example of the indicator of FIG. 3C, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation ofan example of the indicator of FIG. 3D, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4E is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation ofan example of the indicator of FIG. 3E, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4F is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation ofan example of the indicator of FIG. 3F, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of aquality management system constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention in the context of asupermarket; and

FIG. 5B is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of aquality management system constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention in the context of asupermarket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E, which together area simplified illustration of a system and methodology for qualitymanagement constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 1A-1E, there isshown a quality management system and methodology for products includinga multiplicity of product unit specific indicators, here shown in theform of changeable barcode indicators, each operative to provide amachine-readable, preferably barcode-reader-readable, indication ofexceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product qualitydetermining parameter, at least one indicator reader operative to readthe product unit specific indicators and to provide output indicationsand a product type specific indication interpreter operative to receivethe output indications and to provide human sensible, product unitspecific, product quality status outputs.

The changeable barcode indicator may incorporate a product code such asan EAN (European Article Number) or a UPC code (Universal Product Code).FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate the use of an EAN code.

Preferably, the product unit specific indicator is operative to providea machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold byat least one product quality determining parameter. In a preferredembodiment the indicator provides a variable barcode having a fixedbarcode portion and at least one selectably appearing barcode portion,both the fixed barcode portion and the combination of the fixed barcodeportion and at least one selectably appearing barcode portion havingbarcode check sum integrity when read by a conventional barcode reader.Accordingly, it is appreciated that the selectably appearing barcodeportion includes at least two digits which are different from those inthe fixed barcode portion. The check sum is not necessarily changed. Thecheck sum digit may be part of the fixed barcode portion or of theselectably appearing barcode portion.

It is appreciated that in order to maintain checksum integrity under anEAN/UPC checksum system a barcode can be changed into another barcode byreplacing at least two digits thereof, one of which may be the checksumdigit. Each pair of digits can be replaced by another pair of digitswhere MOD10 of the weighted sum of both pairs is the same. For example,two adjacent digits, A1 in an odd position and A2 in an even position,may be replaced by two digits B1 and B2 such thatMOD10(3※A1+A2)=MOD10(3※B1+B2). A digit can be replaced by another digitonly by printing additional bar widths. For example, the digit 3 inright hand encoding may only be replaced by 0, 1 or 5.

Additionally or alternatively, the indicator provides a variable barcodehaving a visible pre-actuation state, a different visible post-actuationstate and at least one visible state indicating exceedance of acorresponding one of at least one threshold. The various states arepreferably all machine-readable by a conventional barcode reader.However one or more of the states may not be machine-readable by theconventional barcode reader and the fact that they cannot be readprovides status information. For example, various situations in which aproduct is not to be sold or used may be indicated as non-readablestates of the indicator.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A-1E, the present invention is illustrated in thecontext of a typical application, here a meat processing plant. Aproduct unit specific indicator 100 is attached to or otherwiseincorporated into each package 101 of processed meat. A package bearinga product unit specific indicator 100 may be an individual packagesuitable for retail sale and/or a carton containing a plurality of suchindividual packages. In the illustrated embodiment, packages 101 includeboth alternatives.

It is also a possibility that different types of indicators 100 may beemployed for different types of packages. For example, the indicatorused on a carton containing a plurality of individual packages may bemore or less accurate or have a greater or lesser dynamic range ofindications than the indictor used on an individual package. Forexample, the indicator on a carton may include an indicator capable ofindicating exceedance of additional thresholds, not included on theindicators of individual packages contained therein, or fewer thresholdsthan the indicators of individual packages contained therein.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theindicators 100 may be assembled and/or actuated at the same location orat a location adjacent that at which the indicators 100 are associatedwith packages 101. A suitable indicator assembler is indicated byreference numeral 102. It is appreciated that assembly 102 may beassociated with an automatic actuator.

In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator includes an EAN (EuropeanArticle Number) barcode. The indicator 100 is typically constructed tobe actuatable by pulling a pull strip 103 forming part thereof.Accordingly, the indicator 100 has a visible pre-actuation stateindicated by reference numeral 104, a different visible post-actuationstate indicated by reference numeral 105 and at least one visible stateindicating exceedance of a corresponding one of at least one threshold.

It is seen that so long as the temperature of the package 101 does notexceed 4 degrees Celsius and five days have not elapsed sincemanufacture or other actuation of the indicator, the indicator 100remains in readable state 105. At any stage, such as upon delivery tothe customer, the indicator 100 can be read with a conventional barcodereader 106, which preferably communicates with a remote qualityindication server 108 and provides an immediate indication of a qualityparameter, such as an OK indication 110, to an inspector.

If and when the temperature of the package 101 exceeds 4 degrees Celsiusfor at least a predetermined duration, typically four hours, such aswhen it reaches 15 degrees Celsius for 6 hours in the case of atransport vehicle breakdown, the indicator assumes a further readablestate, indicated by reference numeral 112. Thus, as seen in FIG. 1A, ifduring truck loading, the temperature reaches 10 degrees Celsius for 30minutes, i.e. less than the predetermined duration, the indicator doesnot assume the further readable state. It is appreciated that thepredetermined duration may be as long or short as necessary for a givenapplication. This further readable state does not revert to readablestate 105 notwithstanding that the temperature of the package 101subsequently returns to an acceptable temperature, such as 4 degreesCelsius.

Accordingly, upon inspection, as upon delivery to the customer, uponreading the indicator 100 by an inspector using a conventional barcodereader 106, the barcode in its readable state 112 preferably providesinformation to the quality indication server 108 which enables theserver to provide an immediate indication of a quality parameter, suchas a BAD indication 114. This BAD indication 114 indicates that at sometime in the history of the indicator 100, the package 101 to which itwas attached was at a temperature exceeding 4 degrees Celsius and thatthis event has rendered the specific product in package 101 unacceptablefor sale.

Should the indicator 100 be in visible state 104, indicating that properactuation of the indicator 100 did not occur, a BAD indication 114 maybe provided to an inspector or other interested party.

It is appreciated that whereas machine reading of the indicator 100provides an indication of whether or not a given event has occurred, theindication of a quality parameter by quality indication server 108provides an indication of whether and to what extent that event hasaffected the quality of a given product with which the indicator 100 isassociated. It is appreciated that there may be a great variation in theeffect of a given event depending on the type of product. Thus, forexample, exposure to 15 degrees Celsius may cause fresh meat to berendered unfit for sale but may not appreciably affect the quality orsaleability of oranges.

Turning now specifically to FIGS. 1C and 1D, it is seen that indicator100 may additionally and independently serve to indicate elapsed time.Thus, upon exceedance of the predetermined time period followingmanufacture or other actuation of the indicator 100, the indicator 100assumes yet a further readable state 118 which indicates that apredetermined amount of time has elapsed. Upon elapse of a furtherpredetermined amount of time, typically a second week, the indicator 100may assume a still further readable state 120.

Accordingly, upon inspection, as indicated by reference numeral 122, asupon periodic stock inspection at a retail site, upon reading theindicator 100 by an inspector using a conventional barcode reader 106,the barcode in its readable state 118 provides information to thequality indication server 108 which enables the server to provide animmediate indication of a quality parameter, such as a SELL SOONindication 124. This SELL SOON indication 124 indicates that, since thepredetermined time interval has elapsed, the package 101 to which it wasattached should be positioned and/or priced for immediate sale.

Turning now to FIG. 1D, it is seen that upon further inspection, asindicated by reference numeral 132, as upon periodic stock inspection atthe retail site, upon reading the indicator 100 by an inspector using aconventional barcode reader 106, the barcode in its readable state 120provides information to the quality indication server 108 which enablesthe server to provide an immediate indication of a quality parameter,such as an EXPIRED indication 134. This EXPIRED indication 134 indicatesthat the package 101 to which it was attached should be discarded, sincethe further predetermined time period has elapsed.

Additionally or alternatively, a user, employing an imager-equippedtelephone or other suitable mobile communicator 135 may image theindicator 100 and communicate the image information to a suitablyprogrammed quality indication server 136, which may be identical toserver 108, and which is capable of reading the barcode from the imageinformation and providing to the user, via SMS or any other suitablecommunication methodology, an immediate indication of a qualityparameter, such as an GOOD QUALITY indication 137. This qualityparameter indicates that the product is safe for use.

It is appreciated that server 136 may provide reports to variousinterested entities, such as the manufacturer or distributor of theproducts, health authorities and other governmental or private entities,to enable real-time monitoring of the quality of products offered forsale. Server 136 may have caller ID functionality so as to be able toidentify the caller, classify the caller, for example as a customer, amanufacturer's QA inspector and a health inspector, and provide anappropriate quality indication output. Additionally or alternatively,the quality indication server 136 may send messages to supermarketmanagement regarding remedial steps to be taken, such as refrigerationmaintenance or repair instructions.

Additionally or alternatively, the further inspection may take placeautomatically at the checkout, where the indicator 100 is read by acheckout scanner 138. In such a case, the barcode in its readable state120 provides information to the quality indication server 108 whichenables the server to provide an immediate indication of a qualityparameter, such as a DO NOT SELL indication 140, to the checkout clerk.This DO NOT SELL indication 140 indicates that the package 101 to whichit was attached may not be sold since the further predetermined timeperiod has elapsed. It is appreciated that the DO NOT SELL indicationfunctionality described above provides a high level of control inimplementing package-specific shelf-life restrictions and thus, byeliminating uncertainty regarding the shelf life of a given product, mayenable packaged products which have been maintained under optimalconditions to have longer shelf lives than would otherwise be possible.

Additionally or alternatively, the further inspection at the checkoutmay also be carried out by a customer at a suitable quality checklocation within the store.

Turning now to FIG. 1E, it is seen that indicator 100 may additionallyand independently serve to indicate exceedance of a predeterminedtemperature for a relatively short time duration. Thus, if the package101 bearing indicator 100 is left inside a vehicle in the sun and isexposed to 40 degrees C. for a duration as short as ten minutes, theindicator 100 may assume a still further readable state 141. In such asituation, a purchaser, employing an imager-equipped telephone or othersuitable mobile communicator 135 may image the indicator 100 andcommunicate the image information to a suitably programmed qualityindication server 136, which may be identical to server 108 in FIG. 1D,and which is capable of reading the barcode from the image informationand providing to the user, via SMS or any other suitable communicationmethodology, an immediate indication of a quality parameter, such as aDO NOT EAT indication 144. This quality parameter indicates that theproduct is not safe for human consumption.

FIG. 1E also shows that indicator 100 may additionally and independentlyserve to indicate elapsed time following purchase. Thus, upon exceedanceof a predetermined long time period, such as 12 months followingmanufacture or other actuation of the indicator 100, the indicator 100assumes yet a further readable state 145 which indicates that apredetermined amount of time has elapsed. Such a situation might occur,when package 101 bearing indicator 100 is forgotten in a consumer's homefreezer. In such a situation, the consumer, employing imager-equippedtelephone or other suitable mobile communicator 135 may image theindicator 100 and communicate the image information to suitablyprogrammed quality indication server 136, which may be identical toserver 108 in FIG. 1D, and which is capable of reading the barcode fromthe image information and providing to the user, via SMS or any othersuitable communication methodology, an immediate indication of a qualityparameter, such as an OK TO EAT indication 146. This quality parameterindicates that the product is safe for human consumption.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E which together area simplified illustration of a system and methodology for qualitymanagement constructed and operative in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 2A-2E,there is shown a quality management system and methodology for productsincluding a multiplicity of product unit specific indicators, here shownin the form of changeable barcode indicators, each operative to providea machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold byat least one product quality determining parameter, at least oneindicator reader operative to read the product unit specific indicatorsand to provide output indications and a product type specific indicationinterpreter operative to receive the output indications and to providehuman sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs.

The changeable barcode indicator may incorporate a product code such asan EAN or a UPC code. FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate the use of an EAN code.

Preferably, the product unit specific indicator is operative to providea machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold byat least one product quality determining parameter, only after theelapse of a predetermined amount of time following actuation, and in apreferred embodiment provides a variable barcode having a visiblepre-actuation state, a different visible post-actuation state, and atleast one visible state indicating exceedance of a corresponding one ofat least one threshold, which occurs only after the elapse of apredetermined amount of time following actuation.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2E, the present invention is illustrated in thecontext of a typical application, here a meat processing plant. Aproduct unit specific indicator 150 is attached to or otherwiseincorporated into each package 151 of processed meat. A package bearinga product unit specific indicator 150 may be an individual packagesuitable for retail sale and/or a carton containing a plurality of suchindividual packages. In the illustrated embodiment, packages 151 includeboth alternatives.

It is also a possibility that different types of indicators 150 may beemployed for different types of packages. For example, the indicatorused on a carton containing a plurality of individual packages may bemore or less accurate or have a greater or lesser dynamic range ofindications than the indictor used on an individual package. Forexample, the indicator on a carton may include an indicator capable ofindicating exceedance of additional thresholds, not included on theindicators of individual packages contained therein, or fewer thresholdsthan the indicators of individual packages contained therein.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theindicators 150 may be assembled and/or actuated at the same location orat a location adjacent that at which the indicators 150 are associatedwith packages 151. A suitable indicator assembler is indicated byreference numeral 152. It is appreciated that assembly 152 may beassociated with an automatic actuator.

In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator includes an EAN (EuropeanArticle Number) barcode. The indicator 150 is typically constructed tobe actuatable by pulling a pull strip 153 forming part thereof. Incontrast to the embodiment described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.1A-1E, actuation, as by pulling pull strip 153 does not result inimmediate activation of the variable barcode indication functionality ofindicator 150 and thus the indicator 150 does not provide a barcodereadable indication of exceedance of thresholds which takes place duringa period of time between actuation and activation.

Accordingly, the indicator 150 has a visible pre-actuation stateindicated by reference numeral 154. In the illustrated example of FIGS.2A-2E, where hot packaging and labeling takes place, it is necessary foractivation to take place only once the product has been cooled to itsdesired long term storage temperature. Typically the resultingactivation delay may be 8 hours following actuation. A different visiblepost-actuation state is indicated by reference numeral 155.

It is seen that during the activation delay, the indicator 150 is notsensitive to temperature and retains its visible post-actuation state.Once the activation delay has elapsed, so long as the temperature of thepackage 151 does not exceed 4 degrees Celsius and five days have notelapsed since manufacture or other activation of the indicator, theindicator 150 remains in readable state 155. At any stage, such as upondelivery to the customer, the indicator 150 can be read with aconventional barcode reader 156, which preferably communicates with aremote quality indication server 158 and provides an immediateindication of a quality parameter, such as an OK indication 160, to aninspector.

If and when, after the activation delay has elapsed, the temperature ofthe package 151 exceeds 4 degrees Celsius for at least a predeterminedduration, typically four hours, such as when it reaches 15 degreesCelsius for 6 hours in the case of a transport vehicle breakdown, theindicator assumes a further readable state, indicated by referencenumeral 162. Thus, as seen in FIG. 2A, if during truck loading, thetemperature reaches 10 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, i.e. less thanthe predetermined duration, the indicator does not assume the furtherreadable state. It is appreciated that the predetermined duration may beas long or short as necessary for a given application. This furtherreadable state does not revert to readable state 155 notwithstandingthat the temperature of the package 151 subsequently returns to anacceptable temperature, such as 4 degrees Celsius.

Accordingly, upon inspection, as upon delivery to the customer, uponreading the indicator 150 by an inspector using a conventional barcodereader 156, the barcode in its readable state 162 preferably providesinformation to the quality indication server 158 which enables theserver to provide an immediate indication of a quality parameter, suchas a BAD indication 164. This BAD indication 164 indicates that at sometime in the history of the indicator 150, the package 151 to which itwas attached was at a temperature exceeding 4 degrees Celsius and thatthis event has rendered the specific product in package 151 unacceptablefor sale.

Should the indicator 150 be in visible state 154, indicating that properactuation of the indicator 150 did not occur a BAD indication 164 may beprovided to an inspector or other interested party.

It is appreciated that whereas machine reading of the indicator 150provides an indication of whether or not a given event has occurred, theindication of a quality parameter by quality indication server 158provides an indication of whether and to what extent that event hasaffected the quality of a given product with which the indicator 150 isassociated. It is appreciated that there may be a great variation in theeffect of a given event depending on the type of product. Thus, forexample, exposure to 15 degrees Celsius may cause fresh meat to berendered unfit for sale but may not appreciably affect the quality orsaleability of oranges.

Turning now specifically to FIGS. 2C and 2D, it is seen that indicator150 may additionally and independently serve to indicate elapsed time.Thus, upon exceedance of the predetermined time period followingmanufacture or other activation of the indicator 150, the indicator 150assumes yet a further readable state 168 which indicates that apredetermined amount of time has elapsed. Upon elapse of a furtherpredetermined amount of time, typically a second week, the indicator 150may assume a still further readable state 170.

Accordingly, upon inspection, as indicated by reference numeral 172, asupon periodic stock inspection at a retail site, upon reading theindicator 150 by an inspector using a conventional barcode reader 156,the barcode in its readable state 168 provides information to thequality indication server 158 which enables the server to provide animmediate indication of a quality parameter, such as a SELL SOONindication 174. This SELL SOON indication 174 indicates that, since thepredetermined time interval has elapsed, the package 151 to which it wasattached should be positioned and/or priced for immediate sale.

Turning now to FIG. 2D, it is seen that upon further inspection, asindicated by reference numeral 182, as upon periodic stock inspection atthe retail site, upon reading the indicator 150 by an inspector using aconventional barcode reader 156, the barcode in its readable state 170provides information to the quality indication server 158 which enablesthe server to provide an immediate indication of a quality parameter,such as an EXPIRED indication 184. This EXPIRED indication 184 indicatesthat the package 151 to which it was attached should be discarded, sincethe further predetermined time period has elapsed.

Additionally or alternatively, a user, employing an imager-equippedtelephone or other suitable mobile communicator 185 may image theindicator 150 and communicate the image information to a suitablyprogrammed quality indication server 186, which may be identical toserver 158, and which is capable of reading the barcode from the imageinformation and providing to the user, via SMS or any other suitablecommunication methodology, an immediate indication of a qualityparameter, such as an GOOD QUALITY indication 187. This qualityparameter indicates that the product is safe for use.

It is appreciated that server 186 may provide reports to variousinterested entities, such as the manufacturer or distributor of theproducts, health authorities and other governmental or private entities,to enable real-time monitoring of the quality of products offered forsale. Server 186 may have caller ID functionality so as to be able toidentify the caller, classify the caller, for example as a customer, amanufacturer's QA inspector and a health inspector, and provide anappropriate quality indication output. Additionally or alternatively,the quality indication server 186 may send messages to supermarketmanagement regarding remedial steps to be taken, such as refrigerationmaintenance or repair instructions.

Additionally or alternatively, the further inspection may take placeautomatically at the checkout, where the indicator 150 is read by acheckout scanner 188. In such a case, the barcode in its readable state170 provides information to the quality indication server 158 whichenables the server to provide an immediate indication of a qualityparameter, such as a DO NOT SELL indication 190, to the checkout clerk.This DO NOT SELL indication 190 indicates that the package 151 to whichit was attached may not be sold since the further predetermined timeperiod has elapsed. It is appreciated that the DO NOT SELL indicationfunctionality described above provides a high level of control inimplementing package-specific shelf-life restrictions and thus, byeliminating uncertainty regarding the shelf life of a given product, mayenable packaged products which have been maintained under optimalconditions to have longer shelf lives than would otherwise be possible.

Additionally or alternatively, the further inspection at the checkoutmay also be carried out by a customer at a suitable quality checklocation within the store.

Turning now to FIG. 2E, it is seen that indicator 150 may additionallyand independently serve to indicate exceedance of a predeterminedtemperature for a relatively short time duration. Thus, if the package151 bearing indicator 150 is left inside a vehicle in the sun and isexposed to 40 degrees C. for a duration as short as ten minutes, theindicator 150 may assume a still further readable state 191. In such asituation, a purchaser, employing an imager-equipped telephone or othersuitable mobile communicator 185 may image the indicator 150 andcommunicate the image information to a suitably programmed qualityindication server 186, which may be identical to server 158 in FIG. 2D,and which is capable of reading the barcode from the image informationand providing to the user, via SMS or any other suitable communicationmethodology, an immediate indication of a quality parameter, such as aDO NOT EAT indication 194. This quality parameter indicates that theproduct is not safe for human consumption.

FIG. 2E also shows that indicator 150 may additionally and independentlyserve to indicate elapsed time following purchase. Thus, upon exceedanceof a predetermined long time period, such as 12 months followingmanufacture or other actuation of the indicator 150, the indicator 150assumes yet a further readable state 195 which indicates that apredetermined amount of time has elapsed. Such a situation might occur,when package 151 bearing indicator 150 is forgotten in a consumer's homefreezer. In such a situation, the consumer, employing imager-equippedtelephone or other suitable mobile communicator 185 may image theindicator 150 and communicate the image information to suitablyprogrammed quality indication server 186, which may be identical toserver 158 in FIG. 2D, and which is capable of reading the barcode fromthe image information and providing to the user, via SMS or any othersuitable communication methodology, an immediate indication of a qualityparameter, such as an OK TO EAT indication 196. This quality parameterindicates that the product is safe for human consumption.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3F, which are simplified illustrationsof event indicators constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating temperaturehistory and a combination of elapsed time and temperature history.

FIG. 3A illustrates a package of meat 200 including a temperature eventindicator 201 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention of the type described hereinabovewith reference to FIGS. 1A-1E. The indicator 201 is typicallyconstructed to be actuatable by pulling a pull strip 202 forming partthereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, indicator 201 includes a barcodewhich is in a visible state 203, typically 7431348787736, prior toactuation, as indicated by designator A.

Following actuation, indicator 201 presents a barcode which is in avisible state 204, typically 7811348787736 including a changed portion205 so long as the temperature of the package 200 does not exceed 4degrees Celsius, as indicated by designator B. Once the temperature ofthe package 200 is more than 4 degrees Celsius, such as 15 degreesCelsius, the indicator presents a barcode which is in a visible state206, typically 7811362787736, including a changed portion 208, asindicated by designator C. It is appreciated that once the state 206 isreached, the indicator preferably does not thereafter revert to thestate 204 notwithstanding that the temperature of the package 200subsequently returns to 4 degrees Celsius.

FIG. 3B. illustrates a package of salami 210 including a temperatureevent indicator 211 constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, of the type describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E.

The indicator 211 is typically constructed to be actuatable by pulling apull strip 212 forming part thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3B,indicator 211 includes a barcode which is in a first visible state 214,typically 7431348787736, prior to actuation as indicated by designator Aand in a second visible state 216, typically 7811348787736, including achanged portion 217 following actuation for at least a predeterminedtime, typically 8 hours, prior to activation, irrespective of thetemperature of the indicator 211 as indicated by designators B and C.

Upon activation, the indicator 211 indicates exceedance of apredetermined temperature threshold, typically 4 degrees Celsius, asindicated by designator D, by changing to a third visible state 218,typically 7811362787736, including a changed portion 219. It isappreciated that once the state 218 is reached, the indicator preferablydoes not thereafter revert to the state 216 notwithstanding that thetemperature of the package 210 subsequently returns to 4 degreesCelsius.

FIG. 3C illustrates a package of meat 220 including a combinationelapsed time/temperature indicator 221, constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, of thetype described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-1E. The indicator221 is typically constructed to be actuatable by pulling a pull strip222 forming part thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, indicator 221 includes a barcode which is ina visible state 223, typically 7431348787736, prior to actuation, asindicated by designator A. Following actuation, indicator 221 presents abarcode which is in a visible state 224, typically 7811348787736including a changed portion 225 so long as the temperature of thepackage 220 does not exceed 4 degrees Celsius, as indicated bydesignator B. Once the temperature of the package 220 is more than 4degrees Celsius for at least a predetermined duration, such as 15degrees Celsius for five hours, the indicator presents a barcode whichis in a visible state 226, typically 7811362787736, including a changedportion 228, as indicated by designator C. It is appreciated that oncethe state 226 is reached, the indicator preferably does not thereafterrevert to the state 224 notwithstanding that the temperature of thepackage 220 subsequently returns to 4 degrees Celsius.

FIG. 3D illustrates a package of salami 230 including a combinationelapsed time/temperature indicator 231 constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, of thetype described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E. The indicator231 is typically constructed to be actuatable by pulling a pull strip232 forming part thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 3D, indicator 231 includes a barcode which is ina first visible state 233, typically 7431348787736, prior to actuationas indicated by designator A and in a second visible state 234,typically 7811348787736, including a changed portion 235 followingactuation for at least a predetermined time, typically 8 hours, prior toactivation, irrespective of the temperature of the indicator 231 asindicated by designators B and C.

Upon activation, once the temperature of the package 230 is more than 4degrees Celsius for at least a predetermined duration, such as 15degrees Celsius for five hours, as indicated by designator D, theindicator presents a barcode which is in a visible state 236, typically7811362787736, including a changed portion 238. It is appreciated thatonce the state 236 is reached, the indicator preferably does notthereafter revert to the state 234 notwithstanding that the temperatureof the package 230 subsequently returns to 4 degrees Celsius.

FIG. 3E illustrates a package of meat 240 including an indicator forseparately indicating elapsed time and temperature 241, constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, of the type described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.1A-1E. The indicator 241 is typically constructed to be actuatable bypulling a pull strip 242 forming part thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 3E, indicator 241 includes a barcode which is ina visible state 243, typically 7431348787736, prior to actuation, asindicated by designator A. Following actuation, indicator 241 presents abarcode which is in a visible state 244, typically 7811348787736including a changed portion 245 so long as the temperature of thepackage 240 does not exceed 4 degrees Celsius, and no more than apredetermined time period, typically five days, has elapsed sinceactuation of the indicator, as indicated by designator B.

Once the temperature has exceeded 4 degrees Celsius for a predeterminedamount of time, typically 5 hours, but the predetermined time period hasnot elapsed since actuation, the indicator presents a barcode which isin readable state 246, typically 7811362787736, including a changedportion 247, as indicated by designator C. Once the predetermined timehas elapsed since actuation of indicator 241 the indicator presents afurther readable state 248, typically 7811362927736, including a changedportion 249, as indicated by designator D. It is appreciated that oncethe state 246 is reached, the indicator preferably does not thereafterrevert to the state 244 notwithstanding that the temperature of thepackage 240 subsequently returns to 4 degrees Celsius.

FIG. 3F illustrates a package of meat 250 including an indicator forseparately indicating elapsed time and temperature 251, constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, of the type described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.2A-2E. The indicator 251 is typically constructed to be actuatable bypulling a pull strip 252 forming part thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 3F, indicator 251 includes a barcode which is ina first visible state 253, typically 7431348787736, prior to actuationas indicated by designator A and in a second visible state 254,typically 7811348787736, including a changed portion 255 followingactuation for at least a predetermined time, typically 8 hours, prior toactivation, irrespective of the temperature and elapsed time of theindicator 251 as indicated by designators B and C.

Following activation, once the temperature has exceeded 4 degreesCelsius for a predetermined amount of time, typically 5 hours, but thepredetermined time period, typically five days, has not elapsed sinceactivation, the indicator presents a barcode which is in readable state256, typically 7811362787736, including a changed portion 257, asindicated by designator D. Once the predetermined time has elapsed sinceactivation of indicator 251 the indicator presents a further readablestate 258, typically 7811362927736, including a changed portion 259, asindicated by designator E. It is appreciated that once the state 256 isreached, the indicator preferably does not thereafter revert to thestate 254 notwithstanding that the temperature of the package 250subsequently returns to 4 degrees Celsius.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4F, which, respectively, aresimplified illustrations of the structure and operation of examples ofthe indicators of FIGS. 3A-3F constructed and operative in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicatingtemperature history and a combination of elapsed time and temperaturehistory.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which is a simplified illustration ofthe construction and operation of one embodiment of the indicator 201 ofFIG. 3A for indicating temperature history. As seen in FIG. 4A, theindicator, here designated by reference numeral 400, preferably includesa barcode defining layer 402, which is preferably printed on atransparent substrate. The printing on the transparent substratepreferably defines a barcode in a first visible state 404, typically7431348787736, which is machine readable in this embodiment, andassociated therewith a plurality of transparent areas 406 and 407.

If transparent areas 406 are colored and read together with the barcodein the first readable state 404, there is provided a barcode in a secondreadable state 408 typically 7811348787736. If both transparent areas406 and 407 are colored and read together with the barcode in the firstreadable state 404, there is provided a barcode in a third readablestate 409 typically 7811362787736. There is also a theoreticalpossibility that transparent areas 407 could be colored and 406 couldnot be colored, but it is not practical in the present embodiment.

It is appreciated that the remainder of the barcode defining layer 402,other than the barcode in a first readable state 404 and the transparentareas 406 and 407, is preferably printed in a white color or a colordefining high contrast with respect to the barcode in the first readablestate 404.

Disposed behind transparent areas 407 is a colorable element 410, whichuntil colored is normally white. Disposed behind barcode defining layer402 and behind colorable element 410 is a pull strip 411, correspondingto pull strip 103 in FIG. 1A, and pull strip 202 in FIG. 3A. Pull strip411 is preferably white and prevents the passage therethrough ofcoloring agents employed in this embodiment of the invention.Preferably, pull strip 411 is formed of polyester.

Disposed behind pull strip 411 is a back layer 412 onto which ispreferably adhered, rearwardly of transparent areas 407, a temperatureresponsive coloring element 413, such as a piece of paper impregnatedwith a coloring agent, such as Nigrosine, Alcohol soluble, a black colordye [CAS: 11099-03-9], commercially available from Acros Organics ofGeel, Belgium, dissolved in 2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS:118-93-4], commercially available from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium.

A colored area 415 is formed on back layer 412, rearwardly oftransparent areas 406, in order to define high contrast with layer 402,when pull strip 411 is removed.

Until such time as pull strip 411 is removed, the indicator 400 isnonresponsive to temperature changes and remains in the first readablestate 404 designated by A.

Once pull strip 411 is removed, the indicator 400 becomes responsive totemperature changes. As long as the temperature at the indicator staysbelow 4 degrees Celsius, the portions of the colored area 415 which arereadable through the transparent areas 406 appear similarly to thebarcode in the first readable state 404 and can be read togethertherewith as a single barcode in the second readable state 408,designated by B.

When the pull strip 411 has been removed and when the temperature at theindicator rises above 4 degrees Celsius, the coloring agent on coloringelement 413 begins to melt and be released from coloring element 413 andbegins to diffuse through the colorable element 410, as designated by Cin FIG. 4A. Thus, when the temperature exceeds 4 degrees Celsius for atleast a minimum time, such as 15 degrees Celsius for five minutes, thecoloring agent rapidly diffuses through colorable element 410, such thatthe portions of the colorable element 410 which are readable through thetransparent areas 407 appear similarly to the barcode in the firstreadable state 404 and can be read together therewith and with areas 406as a single barcode as in the third readable state 409 designated by Din FIG. 4A.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4B, which is a simplified illustration ofthe construction and operation of one embodiment of the indicator 211 ofFIG. 3B for indicating temperature history. As seen in FIG. 4B, theindicator, here designated by reference numeral 420, preferably includesa barcode defining layer 422, which is preferably printed on atransparent substrate. The printing on the transparent substratepreferably defines a barcode in a first visible state 424, typically7431348787736, which is machine readable in this embodiment, andassociated therewith a plurality of transparent areas 426 and 427.

If transparent areas 426 are colored and read together with the barcodein the first readable state 424, there is provided a barcode in a secondreadable state 428 typically 7811348787736. If both transparent areas426 and 427 are colored and read together with the barcode in the firstreadable state 424, there is provided a barcode in a third readablestate 429 typically 7811362787736. There is also a theoreticalpossibility that transparent areas 427 could be colored and 426 couldnot be colored, but it is not practical in the present embodiment.

It is appreciated that the remainder of the barcode defining layer 422,other than the barcode in a first readable state 424 and the transparentareas 426 and 427, is preferably printed in a white color or a colordefining high contrast with respect to the barcode in the first readablestate 424.

Disposed behind transparent areas 427 and preferably adhered to barcodedefining layer 422 is a colorable element 430, which until colored isnormally white. Disposed behind barcode defining layer 422 and behindcolorable element 430 and preferably adhered thereto is a dissolvableactivation delay layer 431. Activation delay layer 431 is dissolvable bya suitable solvent, as described hereinbelow, and until dissolvedprevents the passage therethrough of coloring agents employed in thisembodiment of the present invention.

Disposed behind activation delay layer 431 is a pull strip 432,corresponding to pull strip 153 in FIG. 2A, and pull strip 212 in FIG.3B. Pull strip 432 is preferably white and prevents the passagetherethrough of coloring agents and solvents employed in this embodimentof the invention. Preferably, pull strip 432 is formed of polyester.

Disposed behind pull strip 432 is a back layer 433 onto which ispreferably adhered, rearwardly of transparent areas 427, a temperatureresponsive coloring element 434, such as a piece of paper impregnatedwith a coloring agent, such as Nigrosine, Alcohol soluble, a black colordye [CAS: 11099-03-9], commercially available from Acros Organics ofGeel, Belgium, dissolved in 2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS:118-93-4], commercially available from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium.Adjacent coloring element 434 or combined therewith is a solvent 435,such as Ethylene glycol (CAS #: 107-21-1), commercially available fromSigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., which may be temperature responsive andwhich, as noted above, is operative to dissolve the dissolvableactivation delay layer 431, preferably after a predetermined period oftime, which is preferably measured in hours, such as eight hours.

A colored area 436 is formed on back layer 433, rearwardly oftransparent areas 426, in order to define high contrast with layer 422,when pull strip 432 is removed.

Until such time as pull strip 432 is removed, the indicator 420 isnonresponsive to temperature changes and remains the first readablestate 424 designated by A.

Once pull strip 432 is removed, solvent 435 begins to dissolve thedissolvable activation delay layer 431. Prior to dissolvable activationdelay layer 431 becoming permeable to the coloring agent in temperatureresponsive coloring element 434, the indicator 420 does not provide areadable indication responsive to temperature changes and the portionsof the colored area 436 which are readable through the transparent areas426 appear similarly to the barcode in the first readable state 424 andcan be read together therewith as a single barcode in the secondreadable state 428, designated by B.

Once dissolvable activation delay layer 431 becomes permeable to thecoloring agent in temperature responsive coloring element 434, typicallyafter 8 hours, the indicator 420 becomes responsive to temperaturechanges. As long as the temperature at the indicator stays below 4degrees Celsius, the indicator remains in the second readable state 428,as designated by C. It is appreciated that the time needed to achievedissolution of dissolvable activation delay layer 431 may be determinedinter alia by the thickness thereof.

When the pull strip 432 has been removed and when the temperature at theindicator rises above 4 degrees Celsius, typically to 15 degreesCelsius, the coloring agent on coloring element 434 begins to melt andbe released from coloring element 434 and begins to diffuse through thecolorable element 430, as designated by D in FIG. 4B. Thus, when thetemperature exceeds 4 degrees Celsius for at least a minimum time, suchas 15 degrees Celsius for five minutes, the coloring agent rapidlydiffuses through colorable element 430, such that the portions of thecolorable element 430 which are readable through the transparent areas427 appear similarly to the barcode in the first readable state 424 andcan be read together therewith and with areas 426 as a single barcode asin the third readable state 429 designated by E in FIG. 4B.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4C, which is a simplified illustration ofthe construction and operation of one embodiment of the indicator 221 ofFIG. 3C for indicating temperature/time history. As seen in FIG. 4C, theindicator, here designated by reference numeral 440, preferably includesa barcode defining layer 442, which is preferably printed on atransparent substrate. The printing on the transparent substratepreferably defines a barcode in a first visible state 444, typically7431348787736, which is machine readable in this embodiment, andassociated therewith a plurality of transparent areas 446 and 447.

If transparent areas 446 are colored and read together with the barcodein the first readable state 444, there is provided a barcode in a secondreadable state 448 typically 7811348787736. If both transparent areas446 and 447 are colored and read together with the barcode in the firstreadable state 444, there is provided a barcode in a third readablestate 449 typically 7811362787736. There is also a theoreticalpossibility that transparent areas 447 could be colored and 446 couldnot be colored, but it is not practical in the present embodiment.

It is appreciated that the remainder of the barcode defining layer 442,other than the barcode in a first readable state 444 and the transparentareas 446 and 447, is preferably printed in a white color or a colordefining high contrast with respect to the barcode in the first readablestate 444.

Disposed behind transparent areas 447 and preferably adhered to barcodedefining layer 442 is a colorable element 450, which until colored isnormally white. Disposed behind barcode defining layer 442 and behindcolorable element 450 and preferably adhered thereto is a dissolvabledelay layer 451. Dissolvable delay layer 451 is dissolvable by asuitable solvent, as described hereinbelow, and until dissolved preventsthe passage therethrough of coloring agents employed in this embodimentof the present invention.

Disposed behind dissolvable delay layer 451 is a pull strip 452,corresponding to pull strip 103 in FIG. 1A, and pull strip 222 in FIG.3C. Pull strip 452 is preferably white and prevents the passagetherethrough of coloring agents and solvents employed in this embodimentof the invention. Preferably, pull strip 452 is formed of polyester.

Disposed behind pull strip 452 is a back layer 453 onto which ispreferably adhered, rearwardly of transparent areas 447, a coloringelement 454, such as a piece of paper impregnated with a coloring agent,such as Nigrosine, Alcohol soluble, a black color dye [CAS: 11099-03-9],commercially available from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium, dissolvedin 2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS: 118-93-4], commerciallyavailable from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium. Adjacent coloringelement 454 or combined therewith is a temperature responsive solvent455, such as Ethyl Cinnamate (CAS #: 103-36-6), commercially availablefrom Sigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., which, as noted above, isoperative to dissolve the dissolvable delay layer 451, preferably aftera predetermined period of time, which is preferably measured in hours,such as five hours.

A colored area 456 is formed on back layer 453, rearwardly oftransparent areas 446, in order to define high contrast with layer 442,when pull strip 452 is removed.

Until such time as pull strip 452 is removed, the indicator 440 isnonresponsive to temperature changes and remains the first readablestate 444 designated by A.

Once pull strip 452 is removed and so long as the temperature does notexceed 4 degrees Celsius, the portions of the colored area 456 which arereadable through the transparent areas 446 appear similarly to thebarcode in the first readable state 444 and can be read togethertherewith as a single barcode in the second readable state 448,designated by B.

Following removal of pull strip 452 and once the temperature rises above4 degrees Celsius, typically 15 degrees, solvent 455 begins to dissolvethe dissolvable delay layer 451. Prior to dissolution of dissolvabledelay layer 451, typically for a cumulative duration of four hours at atemperature above 4 degrees Celsius, after the solvent 455 begins todissolve the dissolvable delay layer 451 the portions of the coloredarea 456 which are readable through the transparent areas 446 continueto appear similarly to the barcode in the first readable state 444 andcan be read together therewith as a single barcode in the secondreadable state 448, designated by C. It is appreciated that the timeneeded to achieve dissolution of dissolvable delay layer 451 may bedetermined inter alia by the thickness thereof.

Once dissolvable delay layer 451 becomes permeable to the coloring agentin coloring element 454, typically five hours after temperature rise,the coloring agent rapidly diffuses through colorable element 450, suchthat the portions of the colorable element 450 which are readablethrough the transparent areas 447 appear similarly to the barcode in thefirst readable state 444 and can be read together therewith and withareas 446 as a single barcode as in the third readable state 449designated by D in FIG. 4C.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4D, which is a simplified illustration ofthe construction and operation of one embodiment of the indicator 231 ofFIG. 3D indicating temperature/time history. As seen in FIG. 4D, theindicator, here designated by reference numeral 460, preferably includesa barcode defining layer 462, which is preferably printed on atransparent substrate. The printing on the transparent substratepreferably defines a barcode in a first visible state 464, typically7431348787736, which is machine readable in this embodiment, andassociated therewith a plurality of transparent areas 466 and 467.

If transparent areas 466 are colored and read together with the barcodein the first readable state 464, there is provided a barcode in a secondreadable state 468 typically 7811348787736. If both transparent areas466 and 467 are colored and read together with the barcode in the firstreadable state 464, there is provided a barcode in a third readablestate 469 typically 7811362787736. There is also a theoreticalpossibility that transparent areas 467 could be colored and 466 couldnot be colored, but it is not practical in the present embodiment.

It is appreciated that the remainder of the barcode defining layer 462,other than the barcode in a first readable state 464 and the transparentareas 466 and 467, is preferably printed in a white color or a colordefining high contrast with respect to the barcode in the first readablestate 464.

Disposed behind transparent areas 467 and preferably adhered to barcodedefining layer 462 is a colorable element 470, which until colored isnormally white. Disposed behind barcode defining layer 462 and behindcolorable element 470 and preferably adhered thereto is a dissolvabledelay layer 471. Dissolvable delay layer 471 is dissolvable by asuitable solvent, as described hereinbelow, and until dissolved preventsthe passage therethrough of coloring agents employed in this embodimentof the present invention.

Disposed behind dissolvable delay layer 471 is a dissolvable activationdelay layer 472. Dissolvable activation delay layer 472 is dissolvableby a suitable solvent, as described hereinbelow, preferably differentfrom the solvent which dissolves delay layer 471, and until dissolvedprevents the passage therethrough of the solvent which dissolves delaylayer 471.

Disposed behind dissolvable activation delay layer 472 is a pull strip473, corresponding to pull strip 153 in FIG. 2A, and pull strip 232 inFIG. 3D. Pull strip 473 is preferably white and prevents the passagetherethrough of coloring agents and solvents employed in this embodimentof the invention. Preferably, pull strip 473 is formed of polyester.

Disposed behind pull strip 473 is a back layer 474 onto which ispreferably adhered, rearwardly of transparent areas 467, a coloringelement 475, such as a piece of paper impregnated with a coloring agent,such as Nigrosine, Alcohol soluble, a black color dye [CAS: 11099-03-9],commercially available from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium, dissolvedin 2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS: 118-93-4], commerciallyavailable from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium. Adjacent coloringelement 475 or combined therewith is a temperature responsive solvent476, such as Ethyl Cinnamate (CAS #: 103-36-6), commercially availablefrom Sigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., which, as noted above, isoperative to dissolve the dissolvable delay layer 471, preferably aftera predetermined period of time, which is preferably measured in hours,such as five hours, and a second solvent 477, such as Ethylene glycol(CAS #: 107-21-1), commercially available from Sigma Aldrich of St.Louis, Mo., which, as noted above, is operative to dissolve thedissolvable activation delay layer 472, preferably after a predeterminedperiod of time, which is preferably measured in hours, such as eighthours.

A colored area 478 is formed on back layer 474, rearwardly oftransparent areas 466, in order to define high contrast with layer 462,when pull strip 473 is removed.

Until such time as pull strip 473 is removed, the indicator 460 isnonresponsive to temperature changes and remains the first readablestate 464 designated by A.

Once pull strip 473 is removed, solvent 477 begins to dissolve thedissolvable activation delay layer 472. Prior to dissolvable activationdelay layer 472 becoming permeable to temperature responsive solvent476, the indicator 460 does not provide a readable indication responsiveto temperature changes and the portions of the colored area 478 whichare readable through the transparent areas 466 appear similarly to thebarcode in the first readable state 464 and can be read togethertherewith as a single barcode in the second readable state 468,designated by B.

Once dissolvable activation delay layer 472 becomes permeable totemperature responsive solvent 476, typically after 8 hours, theindicator 460 becomes responsive to temperature changes and so long asthe temperature does not exceed 4 degrees Celsius, the portions of thecolored area 478 which are readable through the transparent areas 466continue to appear similarly to the barcode in the first readable state464 and can be read together therewith as a single barcode in the secondreadable state 468, designated by C.

Following removal of pull strip 473 and once the temperature rises above4 degrees Celsius, typically 15 degrees, temperature responsive solvent476 begins to dissolve the dissolvable delay layer 471. Prior todissolution of dissolvable delay layer 471, typically for a cumulativeduration of four hours at a temperature above 4 degrees Celsius afterthe temperature responsive solvent 476 begins to dissolve thedissolvable delay layer 471, the portions of the colored area 478 whichare readable through the transparent areas 466 continue to appearsimilarly to the barcode in the first readable state 464 and can be readtogether therewith as a single barcode in the second readable state 468,designated by D. It is appreciated that the time needed to achievedissolution of dissolvable activation delay layer 472 and of dissolvabledelay layer 471 may be determined inter alia by the thickness thereof.

Once dissolvable delay layer 471 becomes permeable to the coloring agentin coloring element 475, typically after five hours at a temperatureabove 4 degrees Celsius, the coloring agent rapidly diffuses throughcolorable element 470, such that the portions of the colorable element470 which are readable through the transparent areas 467 appearsimilarly to the barcode in the first readable state 464 and can be readtogether therewith and with areas 466 as a single barcode as in thethird readable state 469 designated by E in FIG. 4D.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4E, which is a simplified illustration ofthe construction and operation of one embodiment of the indicator 241 ofFIG. 3E for separately indicating elapse of time and time/temperaturehistory. As seen in FIG. 4E, the indicator, here designated by referencenumeral 480, preferably includes a barcode defining layer 482, which ispreferably printed on a transparent substrate.

The printing on the transparent substrate preferably defines a barcodein a first readable state 484 typically 7431348787736 and associatedtherewith, a first plurality of transparent areas 486, which, if coloredand read together with the barcode in the first readable state 484,provides a barcode in a second readable state 487, typically7811348787736, a second plurality of transparent areas 488, which, ifcolored and read together with the barcode in the first readable state484, and with areas 486, provides a barcode in a third readable state489, typically 7811362787736, and a third plurality of transparent areas490, which, if colored and read together with the barcode in the firstreadable state 484, and with areas 486 and 488, provides a barcode in aforth readable state 491 typically 7811362927736.

There is also a theoretical possibility, not shown, that transparentareas 486 and 490 could be colored and 488 could not be colored.

There is also a theoretical possibility that transparent areas 488 couldbe colored and transparent areas 486 and 490 could not be colored, butit is not practical in the present embodiment.

There is also a theoretical possibility that transparent areas 490 couldbe colored and transparent areas 486 and 488 could not be colored, butit is not practical in the present embodiment.

There is also a theoretical possibility that transparent areas 488 and490 could be colored and transparent areas 486 could not be colored, butit is not practical in the present embodiment.

It is appreciated that the remainder of the barcode defining layer 482,other than the barcode in a first readable state 484 and the transparentareas 486, 488 and 490 is preferably printed in a white color or a colordefining high contrast with respect to the barcode in the first readablestate 484.

Disposed behind transparent areas 488 and 490 and preferably adhered tobarcode defining layer 482 are colorable elements 492 and 493, whichuntil colored are normally white. Disposed behind barcode defining layer482 and behind colorable elements 492 and 493 and preferably adheredthereto are dissolvable delay layers 494 and 495. Dissolvable delaylayer 494 is dissolvable by a first suitable solvent, as describedhereinbelow, and until dissolved prevents the passage therethrough ofcoloring agents employed in this embodiment of the present invention.Dissolvable delay layer 495 is dissolvable by a second suitable solvent,as described hereinbelow, and until dissolved prevents the passagetherethrough of coloring agents employed in this embodiment of thepresent invention.

Disposed behind dissolvable delay layers 494 and 495 is a pull strip497, corresponding to pull strip 103 in FIG. 1A, and pull strip 242 inFIG. 3E. Pull strip 497 is preferably white and prevents the passagetherethrough of coloring agents and solvents employed in this embodimentof the invention. Preferably, pull strip 497 is formed of polyester.

Disposed behind pull strip 497 is a back layer 498 onto which ispreferably adhered, rearwardly of transparent areas 488, a coloringelement 499, such as a piece of paper impregnated with a coloring agent,such as Nigrosine, Alcohol soluble, a black color dye [CAS: 11099-03-9],commercially available from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium, dissolvedin 2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS: 118-93-4], commerciallyavailable from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium. Adjacent coloringelement 499 or combined therewith is a temperature responsive solvent500, such as Ethyl Cinnamate (CAS #: 103-36-6), commercially availablefrom Sigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., which, as noted above, isoperative to dissolve the dissolvable delay layer 494, preferably aftera predetermined period of time, which is preferably measured in hours,such as five hours.

Rearwardly of transparent areas 490 and preferably adhered to back layer498 there is preferably provided a coloring element 502, such as a pieceof paper impregnated with a coloring agent, such as Nigrosine, Alcoholsoluble, a black color dye [CAS: 11099-03-9], commercially availablefrom Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium, dissolved in2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS: 118-93-4], commerciallyavailable from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium. Adjacent coloringelement 502 or combined therewith is a solvent 504, such as1-Methylnaphthalene (CAS #: 124-07-02), commercially available fromSigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., which, as noted above, is operative todissolve the dissolvable delay layer 495, preferably after apredetermined period of time, which is preferably measured in days, suchas five days.

A colored area 507 is formed on back layer 498, rearwardly oftransparent areas 486, in order to define high contrast with layer 482,when pull strip 497 is removed.

Until such time as pull strip 497 is removed, the indicator 480 isnonresponsive to temperature changes and to elapsed time and remains inthe first readable state 484 designated by A.

Once pull strip 497 is removed, the portions of the colored area 507which are readable through the transparent areas 486 appear similarly tothe barcode in the first readable state 484 and can be read togethertherewith as a single barcode in the second readable state 487.Following removal of pull strip 497 solvent 504 begins to dissolve thedissolvable delay layer 495, as designated by B.

Once the temperature rises above 4 degrees Celsius, typically at 15degrees Celsius, temperature responsive solvent 500 begins to dissolvethe dissolvable delay layer 494. At this point, the indicator 480 isstill in the second readable state 487, as designated by C.

Once dissolution of delay layer 494 renders it permeable to the coloringagent in coloring element 499, typically a cumulative time duration ofabout five hours at a temperature above 4 degrees Celsius, the coloringagent rapidly diffuses through colorable element 492, such that theportions of the colorable element 492 which are readable through thetransparent areas 488 appear similarly to the barcode in the firstreadable state 484 and can be read together therewith and with areas 486as a single barcode as in the third readable state 489 designated by Din FIG. 4E.

Once dissolution of delay layer 495 renders it permeable to the coloringagent in coloring element 502, typically a cumulative time duration ofabout five days after removal of pull strip 497, the coloring agentrapidly diffuses through colorable element 493, such that the portionsof the colorable element 493 which are readable through the transparentareas 490 appear similarly to the barcode in the first readable state484 and can be read together therewith and with areas 486 and 488 as asingle barcode as in the fourth readable state 491 designated by E inFIG. 4E. It is appreciated that the time needed to achieve dissolutionof dissolvable delay layers 494 and 495 may be determined inter alia bythe thickness thereof.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4F, which is a simplified illustration ofthe construction and operation of one embodiment of the indicator 251 ofFIG. 3F for separately indicating elapse of time and time/temperaturehistory. As seen in FIG. 4F, the indicator, here designated by referencenumeral 580, preferably includes a barcode defining layer 582, which ispreferably printed on a transparent substrate.

The printing on the transparent substrate preferably defines a barcodein a first readable state 584 typically 7431348787736 and associatedtherewith, a first plurality of transparent areas 586, which, if coloredand read together with the barcode in the first readable state 584,provides a barcode in a second readable state 587, typically7811348787736, a second plurality of transparent areas 588, which, ifcolored and read together with the barcode in the first readable state584, and with areas 586, provides a barcode in a third readable state589, typically 7811362787736, and a third plurality of transparent areas590, which, if colored and read together with the barcode in the firstreadable state 584, and with areas 586 and 588, provides a barcode in aforth readable state 591, typically 7811362927736.

There is also a theoretical possibility, not shown, that transparentareas 586 and 590 could be colored and 588 could not be colored.

There is also a theoretical possibility that transparent areas 588 couldbe colored and transparent areas 586 and 590 could not be colored, butit is not practical in the present embodiment.

There is also a theoretical possibility that transparent areas 590 couldbe colored and transparent areas 586 and 588 could not be colored, butit is not practical in the present embodiment.

There is also a theoretical possibility that transparent areas 588 and590 could be colored and transparent areas 586 could not be colored, butit is not practical in the present embodiment.

It is appreciated that the remainder of the barcode defining layer 582,other than the barcode in a first readable state 584 and the transparentareas 586, 588 and 590 is preferably printed in a white color or a colordefining high contrast with respect to the barcode in the first readablestate 584.

Disposed behind transparent areas 588 and 590 and preferably adhered tobarcode defining layer 582 are colorable elements 592 and 593, whichuntil colored are normally white. Disposed behind barcode defining layer582 and behind colorable elements 592 and 593 and preferably adheredthereto are dissolvable delay layers 594 and 595.

Dissolvable delay layer 594 is dissolvable by a first suitable solvent,as described hereinbelow, and until dissolved prevents the passagetherethrough of coloring agents employed in this embodiment of thepresent invention. Dissolvable delay layer 595 is dissolvable by asecond suitable solvent, as described hereinbelow, and until dissolvedprevents the passage therethrough of coloring agents employed in thisembodiment of the present invention.

Disposed behind dissolvable delay layers 594 and 595 is dissolvableactivation delay layer 596. Dissolvable activation delay layer 596 isdissolvable by a third suitable solvent, as described hereinbelow, anduntil dissolved prevents the passage therethrough of solvents andcoloring agents employed in this embodiment of the present invention.

Disposed behind dissolvable activation delay layer 596 is a pull strip597, corresponding to pull strip 153 in FIG. 2A, and pull strip 252 inFIG. 3F. Pull strip 597 is preferably white and prevents the passagetherethrough of coloring agents and solvents employed in this embodimentof the invention. Preferably, pull strip 597 is formed of polyester.

Disposed behind pull strip 597 is a back layer 598 onto which ispreferably adhered, rearwardly of transparent areas 588, a coloringelement 599, such as a piece of paper impregnated with a coloring agent,such as Nigrosine, Alcohol soluble, a black color dye [CAS: 11099-03-9],commercially available from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium, dissolvedin 2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS: 118-93-4], commerciallyavailable from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium. Adjacent coloringelement 599 or combined therewith is a temperature responsive solvent600, such as Ethyl Cinnamate (CAS #: 103-36-6), commercially availablefrom Sigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., which, as noted above, isoperative to dissolve the dissolvable delay layer 594, preferably aftera predetermined period of time, which is preferably measured in hours,such as five hours.

Rearwardly of transparent areas 590 and preferably adhered to back layer598, there is preferably provided a coloring element 602, such as apiece of paper impregnated with a coloring agent, such as Nigrosine,Alcohol soluble, a black color dye [CAS: 11099-03-9], commerciallyavailable from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium, dissolved in2′-Hydroxyacetophenone 99.9% solvent [CAS: 118-93-4], commerciallyavailable from Acros Organics of Geel, Belgium. Adjacent coloringelement 602 or combined therewith is a solvent 604, such as1-Methylnaphthalene (CAS #: 124-07-02), commercially available fromSigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., which, as noted above, is operative todissolve the dissolvable delay layer 595, preferably after apredetermined period of time, which is preferably measured in days, suchas five days.

A solvent 606, such as Ethylene glycol (CAS #: 107-21-1), commerciallyavailable from Sigma Aldrich of St. Louis, Mo., is provided on backlayer 598 and is operative to dissolve the dissolvable activation delaylayer 596, preferably after a predetermined period of time, which ispreferably measured in hours, such as eight hours.

A colored area 607 is formed on back layer 598, rearwardly oftransparent areas 586, in order to define high contrast with layer 582,when pull strip 597 is removed.

Until such time as pull strip 597 is removed, the indicator 580 isnonresponsive to temperature changes and to elapsed time and remains inthe first readable state 584 designated by A.

Once pull strip 597 is removed, solvent 606 begins to dissolve thedissolvable activation delay layer 596. Prior to dissolvable activationdelay layer 596 becoming permeable to solvents 600 and 604, theindicator 580 does not provide a readable indication responsive totemperature changes and elapsed time and the portions of the coloredarea 607 which are readable through the transparent areas 586 appearsimilarly to the barcode in the first readable state 584 and can be readtogether therewith as a single barcode in the second readable state 587,as designated by B.

Following dissolution of dissolvable activation delay layer 596,typically 8 hours after removal of pull strip 597, solvent 604 begins todissolve the dissolvable delay layer 595, as designated by C.

Once the temperature rises above 4 degrees Celsius, typically at 15degrees Celsius, temperature responsive solvent 600 begins to dissolvethe dissolvable delay layer 594. At this point, the indicator 580 isstill in the second readable state 587.

Once dissolution of delay layer 594 renders it permeable to the coloringagent in coloring element 599, typically a cumulative time duration ofabout five hours at a temperature above 4 degrees Celsius, the coloringagent rapidly diffuses through colorable element 592, such that theportions of the colorable element 592 which are readable through thetransparent areas 588 appear similarly to the barcode in the firstreadable state 584 and can be read together therewith and with areas 586as a single barcode in the third readable state 589 designated by D inFIG. 4F.

Once dissolution of delay layer 595 renders it permeable to the coloringagent in coloring element 602, typically a cumulative time duration ofabout five days after dissolution of activation delay layer 596, thecoloring agent rapidly diffuses through colorable element 593, such thatthe portions of the colorable element 593 which are readable through thetransparent areas 590 appear similarly to the barcode in the firstreadable state 584 and can be read together therewith and with areas 586and 588 as a single barcode in the fourth readable state 591 designatedby E in FIG. 4F. It is appreciated that the time needed to achievedissolution of dissolvable activation delay layer 596 and of dissolvabledelay layers 594 and 595 may be determined inter alia by the thicknessthereof.

It is appreciated that the present invention also encompasses indicatorswherein the first readable state has more digits than the secondreadable state and similarly where each subsequent readable state hasfewer digits than the preceding readable state. This may readily beachieved in accordance with the present invention, for example, byinitially locating a black background behind transparent areas, similarto the transparent areas described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.4A-4F, and then, as the result of a change in an environmentalparameter, changing that black background to white. Alternatively, thismay be achieved by employing white on black background barcodes insteadof black on white background barcodes as shown in the examples above.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5A, which illustrates the structure andoperation of a quality management system constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in thecontext of a supermarket. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, packagedproducts 820 each bear an event indicator 822 of the general typedescribed hereinabove and illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4F and including oneor more of the operational and structural features describedhereinabove.

In the illustrated embodiment, indicator 822 preferably presents avariable barcode 824, which includes a product designator. Such abarcode may, but need not necessarily, include a UPC code. When thiscode is read, as by a conventional barcode reader 826 used by a stockchecker or by a conventional checkout scanner 828, it provides productidentification information to a product management server 830.

As described hereinabove, the barcode 824 is preferably a variablebarcode which, depending on the product, may provide barcode readableindications of one or more event parameters, such as temperature and/orelapsed time, and for each such parameter may indicate multiple levels.For example, where the packaged product 820 is fresh rib steak, asshown, the barcode 824 may have multiple readable states such as:

First Readable State 7431348787736—Fresh Rib Steak

-   INDICATOR WAS NOT ACTUATED    Second Readable State 7811348787736—Fresh Rib Steak-   TEMPERATURE DID NOT EXCEED 4 DEGREES CELSIUS-   TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DID NOT EXCEED 3 DAYS    Third Readable State 7811348927736—Fresh Rib Steak-   TEMPERATURE DID NOT EXCEED 4 DEGREES CELSIUS-   TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DID EXCEED 3 DAYS BUT DID NOT EXCEED 6    DAYS    Fourth Readable State 7811348922236—Fresh Rib Steak-   TEMPERATURE DID NOT EXCEED 4 DEGREES CELSIUS-   TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DID EXCEED 6 DAYS    Fifth Readable State 7811362787736—Fresh Rib Steak-   TEMPERATURE DID EXCEED 4 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR MORE THAN 5 HOURS-   TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DID NOT EXCEED 3 DAYS    Sixth Readable State 7811362927736—Fresh Rib Steak-   TEMPERATURE DID EXCEED 4 Degrees Celsius For More Than 5 HOURS-   TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DID EXCEED 3 DAYS

In the illustrated embodiment, the product management server 830maintains a database which preferably contains at least the followinginformation:

TABLE I PRODUCT PRODUCT BARCODE DESCRIPTION STATUS PRICE 7431348787736FRESH RIB STEAK DO NOT SELL 7811348787736 FRESH RIB STEAK OK $10/LB7811348927736 FRESH RIB STEAK QUICK SALE  $8/LB 7811348922236 FRESH RIBSTEAK DO NOT SELL 7811362787736 FRESH RIB STEAK QUICK SALE  $7/LB7811362927736 FRESH RIB STEAK DO NOT SELL

Based on the scanned barcode, the product management server 830 providesboth product status information and price information as appropriate tomanagement as well as points of sale.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, thecode may be read by a consumer employing an imager-equipped telephone orother suitable mobile communicator 835 which may be identical to mobilecommunicator 135 (FIGS. 1D & 1E) or 185 (FIGS. 2D & 2E), who may imagethe indicator 822 and communicate the image information to a suitablyprogrammed quality indication server 836, which may be identical toserver 136 (FIGS. 1D & 1E) or 186 (FIGS. 2D & 2E), and to server 830,and which is capable of reading the barcode from the image informationand providing to the user, via SMS or any other suitable communicationmethodology, an immediate indication of a quality parameter, such as aGOOD QUALITY indication 837. This quality parameter indicates that theproduct is safe for use. Additionally or alternatively, server 836 mayprovide coupons to the user corresponding to the state of the indicator

In the illustrated embodiment, the quality indication server 836maintains a database which preferably contains at least the followinginformation:

TABLE II PRODUCT QA CUSTOMER BARCODE DESCRIPTION PROD. STATUS PROD.STATUS 7431348787736 FRESH RIB STEAK DO NOT SELL DO NOT EAT7811348787736 FRESH RIB STEAK OK GOOD QUALITY 7811348927736 FRESH RIBSTEAK QUICK SALE OK TO EAT 7811348922236 FRESH RIB STEAK DO NOT SELL DONOT EAT 7811362787736 FRESH RIB STEAK QUICK SALE OK TO EAT 7811362927736FRESH RIB STEAK DO NOT SELL DO NOT EAT

Based on the scanned barcode and identification of the caller, thequality indication server 836 provides product status information bothto quality assurance inspectors and to customers. Additionally oralternatively, the quality indication server 836 may send messages tothe supermarket management regarding remedial steps to be taken, such asrefrigeration maintenance instructions.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5B, which illustrates the structure andoperation of a quality management system constructed and operative inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention inthe context of a supermarket. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, packagedproducts 850 each bear an event indicator 852 of the general typedescribed hereinabove and illustrated in FIGS. 1-4F and including one ormore of the operational and structural features described hereinabove.

In the illustrated embodiment, indicator 852 preferably presents avariable barcode 854 which does not include a product designator. Aseparate barcode bearing indicator 855, including, for example, a UPCcode, may appear on each packaged product 850 or alternatively, aproduct designation may be entered manually when scanning barcode 854.

When barcode 854 is read, as by a conventional barcode reader 856, usedby a stock checker or by a conventional checkout scanner 858, itprovides event information but it does not provide productidentification information to a product management server 860. Productidentification information may be entered by scanning barcode bearingindicator 855 or manually.

As described hereinabove, with reference to FIGS. 1-4F, the barcode 854is preferably a variable barcode which, depending on the product, mayprovide barcode readable indications of one or more event parameters,such as temperature and elapsed time, and for each such parameter mayindicate multiple levels. In the illustrated example, the packagedproduct 850, as shown in a Product Description Table, is fresh ribsteak, and the variable barcode 854 may have multiple readable statescorresponding to multiple events, such as shown below in an EventDescription Table.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5B, the variable barcode 854includes a first readable state 7431348787736, a second readable state7811348787736 7811348787736, a third readable state 7811348927736, aforth readable state 7811348922236, a fifth readable state7811362787736, and a sixth readable state 7811362927736.

As seen in the illustrated embodiment, the product management server 860maintains a database which preferably includes at least a productdescription table, such as Table III, and an event report table, such asTable IV.

TABLE III PRODUCT DESCRIPTION PRODUCT BARCODE (885) DESCRIPTION0011840854 FRESH RIB STEAK

TABLE IV EVENT BARCODE EVENT (854) DESCRIPTION 7431348787736 INDICATORWAS NOT ACTUATED 7811348787736 TEMPERATURE DID NOT EXCEED 4 DEGREESCELSIUS TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DID NOT EXCEED 3 DAYS 7811348927736TEMPERATURE DID NOT EXCEED 4 DEGREES CELSIUS TIME DURATION FROMPACKAGING DID EXCEED 3 DAYS BUT DID NOT EXCEED 6 DAYS 7811348922236TEMPERATURE DID NOT EXCEED 4 DEGREES CELSIUS TIME DURATION FROMPACKAGING DID EXCEED 6 DAYS 7811362787736 TEMPERATURE DID EXCEED 4DEGREES CELSIUS FOR MORE THAN 5 HOURS TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DIDNOT EXCEED 3 DAYS 7811362927736 TEMPERATURE DID EXCEED 4 DEGREES CELSIUSFOR MORE THAN 5 HOURS TIME DURATION FROM PACKAGING DID EXCEED 3 DAYS

Upon receipt of inputs identifying a product in Table III and indicatingan event description in Table IV corresponding to the same product, theproduct management server 860 is operative to provide a product statustable, such as Table V, typically including a product descriptionbarcode (P.D.B.C.), an event barcode (E.B.C.), a product description, aproduct status and a price, as follows:

TABLE V PRODUCT PRODUCT P.D.B.C. E.B.C. DESCRIPTION STATUS PRICE0011840854 7431348787736 FRESH RIB DO NOT SELL STEAK 00118408547811348787736 FRESH RIB OK $10/LB STEAK 0011840854 7811348927736 FRESHRIB QUICK SALE  $8/LB STEAK 0011840854 7811348922236 FRESH RIB DO NOTSELL STEAK 0011840854 7811362787736 FRESH RIB QUICK SALE $7/LB  STEAK0011840854 7811362927736 FRESH RIB DO NOT SELL STEAK

The product management server 860 provides both product statusinformation and price information from Table V to management as well asto points of sale as appropriate.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and sub-combinations of various feature ofthe invention and modifications thereof which may occur to personsskilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which arenot in the prior art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A quality management system for productscomprising: a multiplicity of barcode indicators each configured toprovide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least onethreshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, saidmultiplicity of barcode indicators being configured to provide saidmachine-readable indication only following actuation thereof, each ofsaid multiplicity of barcode indicators comprising: a barcode comprisingblack areas and transparent areas; a pull strip, said pull strip beingsuitable to prevent the passage of solvents and coloring agentstherethrough before removal thereof; and a colored area, said coloredarea disposed behind said pull strip, and said actuation comprisesremoval of said pull strip; a barcode indicator reader configured toread said barcode indicators and to provide output indications; and anindication interpreter configured to receive said output indications andto provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality statusoutputs.
 2. The quality management system according to claim 1 andwherein prior to said actuation, said barcode indicator is in a firstvisible state and following said actuation said barcode indicator is ina second visible state, different from said first visible state.
 3. Thequality management system according to claim 2 and wherein saidindicator is not barcode reader-readable when said barcode indicator isin said first visible state.
 4. The quality management system accordingto claim 2 and wherein said indicator is barcode reader-readable whensaid barcode indicator is in said first visible state.
 5. The qualitymanagement system according to claim 2 and wherein removal of said pullstrip renders portions of said colored area readable through saidtransparent areas in said barcode and wherein portions of said coloredarea appear similarly to said barcode in said first visible state andcan be read together therewith as a single barcode in said secondvisible state.
 6. The quality management system according to claim 1 andwherein said pull strip comprises a polyester pull strip.
 7. The qualitymanagement system according to claim 1 and wherein said multiplicity ofbarcode indicators is configured to provide said machine-readableindication only upon activation thereof which occurs automatically apredetermined time following actuation thereof.
 8. The qualitymanagement system according to claim 1 and wherein each of saidmultiplicity of barcode indicators provides a first machine-readableindication prior to said exceedance of said at least one threshold and asecond machine-readable indication following said exceedance of said atleast one threshold, said first and second machine-readable indicationshaving identical check sum digits.
 9. The quality management systemaccording to claim 1 and wherein said indication interpreter comprises aserver communicating with said barcode indicator reader and providing atleast one of a price indication, a shelf-life indication and asalability output indication.
 10. The quality management systemaccording to claim 1 and wherein each of said multiplicity of barcodeindicators is configured to provide multiple machine-readableindications for exceedance of multiple ones of said thresholds.